The Food Bank of Waterloo Region achieves Food Banks Canada Standards of Excellence accreditation

Waterloo Region, Ont., March 30, 2026 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is proud to announce it has achieved accreditation through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence program, recognizing the organization’s commitment to high standards in food safety, operations, and community care.

This recognition comes at a time when the need for food assistance in Waterloo region remains at historic levels. Today, one in nine households is accessing food support, with nearly 73,000 adults and children relying on The Food Bank’s Community Food Assistance Network.

“Earning this accreditation reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers in providing safe, high-quality food and care to our community—something we’ve been doing for more than 40 years,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “The Standards of Excellence set a high bar for how we handle food, run our operations, and support people. They help ensure we stay accountable, consistent, and always working to improve.”

The Standards of Excellence establish a national benchmark for food banks across the country and support continuous improvement across the sector. They bring organizations together to strengthen services, share knowledge, and increase collective impact—helping to relieve hunger today while working toward a future where fewer people need food assistance.

The accreditation process includes rigorous requirements related to food safety, governance, financial accountability, and operational practices.

“Achieving this recognition connects us to a network of food banks across Canada that are learning from one another and finding new ways to strengthen how we support our communities,” adds Wilhelm. “For the individuals and families we serve, it means greater confidence that the food they receive through the Community Food Assistance Network is handled with care and delivered with dignity and respect.”

In addition to the Standards of Excellence, The Food Bank is also accredited through Imagine Canada’s Standards program, a national benchmark for excellence in governance, transparency, financial accountability, and ethical fundraising.

“For our community, the Imagine Canada accreditation provides added assurance that donations are managed responsibly and that resources are used effectively to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity,” says Wilhelm.

Together, these recognitions reflect The Food Bank’s ongoing commitment to serving the community with care, accountability, and dignity—while continuing to adapt and respond to the growing need across Waterloo region.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca